The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-03-05
|" i see. Monsianr."

After the performance, Wilhelm waited
for what appeared quite long time for
his friend. All the other musicians had
dressed and filed away, but still he came
not.
Wilhelm ventured at last to ask some
one in authority.
80, mop was the reply; NJ. Albano
has not gone. He is talking to the man
ager. The manager wants him to stay
On, but he insists on throwing up his en-
gagement."
"Strangep said Wilhelm.
"Yes, it is strange. You are his friend?
Yes. Well, and even you do not seem
able to fathom the mystery. But this
Albano is a splendid violinist. Any or
chestra in Europe would be willing to re-
tain his services, and remuuerate him
well. Yet, although he is not rich, he is
forever on the move. Italy, Belgium,
Norway; all countries have him by turns,
but none for long. Think you is your
friend somewhat distrait?"
"I am sure he is not. only know he
has reason, or reasons, for his nomadic
tendencies, but he has not thought fit to
enlighten me as to what they are, aud it
would i'll become me to inquire. But
here he comes"
1t was late even for Paris, that night
ere Wilhelm babe his kind-hearted friend
| adieu at the corner of the Rue de la
D., and hurried away to his dingy
room.
Yet that evening had been big with
Wilhelm's fate. He had supped with M.
Albano at a charming little hotel, and,
with true politenese, Monsieur had said
little or nothing about himself, but had
led the young man to speak of all his
hopes and ambitions.
Wilhelm's great scheme was connected
with electricity, not only for the purpose
OF lighting cities and country houses, but
as the moving power Of the future; and
NJ Albano knew enough about chemistry
speedily to discern that, if properly
worked cut, these plans OF Wilhelm's
might lead him to fame and fortune.
"You will come TO England with me,
Wilhelm? I have saved little sum,
will pay your expenses"
"No, friend, no; TO England 1 will
come, but everything I'll pay myself.
Two more months will 1 work, and
then"
"You will Gomez"
Yes"
And be my guest for few weeks at
my little cottage home?"
Well-yes."
SO the two parted.
Winter was still holding sway, and
snow lay deep all around Paris; but in
nine weeks time what change there
was With Paris, however, this short
and simple story has no longer anything
to do. The scene shifts to tiny but
beautiful cottage in Surrey. 1t stands
ON the slope Of gently rising hill, and is
almost buried in pine woods.
eyes, Wilhelm" NJ. Albano was say
ing, as the two sat together in little
tent on the lawn, "this cottage, these
gardens, the beautiful country around,
do not seem the same since Marie-since
my daughter left me. They are not the
same, for 1 am older now. I cannot see
with the same eyes, hear with the same
ears; it seems as if the gloom of the grave
was already closing around me-
"But Marie your daughter-may re-
turn"
No, that cannot be; the pride that
caused her to go will prevent her re-
turning. She will never come back"
Wilhelm was silent
"a few hasty words-and the words
were mine-a few peevish mutterings at
the fate that banished me from my native
land, that had torn from my breast the
insignia of title and honor, and COM
PEELED meme a couut-to drag out a
wretched existence in a foreign country
by aid of my violin. did not mean to
imply that 1 begrudged the labor that
kept her as d lady, but fear led her to
believe so; and I would have laid down
my life next minute to have been able
to retract, to unsay my cruel words; but
next minute Marie was gone. Gone
yes, gone with tears on her face, and
mayhap breaking heart, though proud
one. And since then have sought and
obtained engagements in almost every
capital of Europe. have been till now
ever on the move, thinking, always think
ing, would find my Marie; for one brief
note the only one I reeeived-told me
she was so far independent, and that on
her voice alone she would now trust for a
livelihood. But 1 am tired, hopeless and
weary"
And so indeed he spoke.
A year passed away. The old man
appeared no more in any orchestra.
Hope itself had fed from his heart, and
he mourned for his daughter as for one
dead.
Wilhelm was frequent visitor at the
cottage. Aided in his ambition by the
ex-count, and possessed of the will to
work, the determination to triumph, and
that mental staying power which often
times leads to success without even the
aid of genius, the young man conquered
IL a ka1l